Government Shutdown Prompts Fort Riley Closures

KSAL Staff - October 2, 2013 9:38 am

Fort Riley civilian employees received notices of furloughs Tuesday following a government shutdown effective 12:01 a.m. Eastern Oct. 1. Furloughs will affect hundreds of civilian workers across a broad spectrum of services at Fort Riley. Effects of the shutdown will vary across the post.

“Annual funding for the federal government expired on September 30, 2013,” Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Andrew Cole said. “This lapse in funding means a number of government, and Fort Riley, activities have ceased due to a lack of appropriated funding. While active duty military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, a large number of appropriated fund civilian employees are now furloughed until further notice.

“First Infantry Division and Fort Riley leaders saw the potential for a shutdown and have spent a lot of time completing prudent planning efforts for the lapse in funding. There are a variety of different commands that comprise Team Riley, and we’ve worked together to form a comprehensive plan.”

Services tied to life, health and safety will remain in place. A comprehensive list is included below detailing effects and closures, as well as where to seek more information.

“The main thing to remember is that the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley remain committed to taking care of our Soldiers, families, civilians and retirees throughout this time period,” Cole said.

Emergency Services

Fort Riley emergency services will not be affected by the government shutdown. Access control points will continue normal operational hours.

Medical Services

The hospital, clinics and Warrior Transition Battalion are in a fully operational status for patient care.

Directorate of Family, Welfare and Recreation Services and Programs (DFMWR)

DFMWR will be largely unaffected by a government shutdown.

The following facilities’ hours of operation or services have been reduced until further notice:

Some Army Community Services (ACS) will be reduced, though Army Emergency Relief (AER), Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP), limited Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) and Victim Advocacy services will still be provided. All other ACS services will not be available until further notice. In addition, Leisure Travel Services will reduce their hours of operation to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Training continues as currently scheduled. Some training facilities may see minimal manning.

Defense Commissary Activity (DECA)

The Fort Riley Commissary remained opened Oct. 1 to reduce the amount of perishables in stock before it began a systematic closure process to account for unsold products and secure facilities. The Commissary will remain closed until further notice.

Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service will continue operations during the government shutdown.

Public Works

Operations and maintenance personnel are minimally manned in order to provide crucial services like water, wastewater, gas and power distribution as well as emergency maintenance. Minimal manning is in effect in business operations, environmental and housing. Hunting on post has been suspended.

Other offices across post have minimal essential manning. Please call each individual office to find its availability prior to seeking its services and please be prepared for other closures and/or delays. Additionally, community outreach programs may be affected by the shutdown.

Stress and Crisis Resources

These resources will remain available to both military members and civilian employees.